Samoyeds are wonderful dogs, a joy to live with but not to everyone's taste. They are free spirits, happy, smiling, joyful children.
They are wonderful family dogs, great with people, children and other dogs. Samis are highly intelligent, but can be challenging to train. They are a typical spitz breed, independent minded and stubborn. They cannot be trained by bullying or force, they will become sullen and uncooperative. I have found Clicker training particularly effective, and would especially recommend the books by Karen Pryor.
They are hopeless guard dogs; welcoming burglars into your home as more lovely people to be given a special greeting.
They have a tendency to be noisy and mustn't be allowed to annoy your neighbours.
Grooming is a practical consideration that mustn't be neglected. Physically, Samoyeds are strikingly beautiful dogs. This is surely what draws us to them initially. They have a double layered coat of soft undercoat with harsh, stand off top coat. They should be brushed daily with a pin brush and combed through thoroughly once a week down to the skin. They do not require regular bathing if they are groomed regularly.
They will take just about as much exercise as you care to throw at them. You do need to be careful about free running them, as they will come back when they decide to and not necessarily when you want. Samis are easily distracted and have a tendency to rush up to people to say hello. They are very friendly, however, not all people appreciate being bounced by a large, white, hairy dog. They are great hunters and will disappear in pursuit of deer, rabbits etc, real or imaginary.
Samis can be destructive, both indoors and out. They may dig holes in your lawn, trample and chew flimsy plants. We have adopted a strategy of planting mainly resilient, durable shrubs. They may cause mischief in the house, such as pulling at wallpaper and chewing at skirting boards, which may continue beyond the puppy years.
If you feel prepared for their breed characteristic foibles, then you may find yourself sharing your life with the most enthusiastic, charismatic and captivating companion. They remain active, naughty and demanding into their veteran years.